Romelu Lukaku engraved his name on fifa world cup Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 to reach the quarter-finals and became the first player in history to score as a substitute in four different World Cup games.The prolific striker came on as a substitute late in the second half and needed just one shot to make his mark, adding Belgium’s fourth goal in stoppage time to cap another ruthless cameo. It also continues a remarkable run of efficiency from the veteran striker, who has scored with his only shot in each of the last three World Cup games – against New Zealand, Senegal and now the United States.While Charles de Cotrare stole the headlines with two goals and an assist, Lukaku’s last-gasp goal ensured his place in the World Cup record as Belgium faced Spain in the quarter-finals.Romelu Lukaku’s last three World Cup games
- vs. New Zealand: 1 shot, 1 goal
- vs Senegal: 1 shot, 1 goal
- vs. USA: 1 shot, 1 goal
Belgium punishes defensive mistakes
The United States reached the knockout rounds after FIFA controversially lifted Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side never recovered from a series of costly defensive blunders.Belgium took the lead in the eighth minute with Dirk Traray finishing off a flowing move, before Malik Tillman briefly equalized with a brilliant free-kick in the 31st minute.The celebration lasted only a minute. Belgium regained the lead just 61 seconds after the restart when Dirk Tralé headed home, before setting up Hans Vanaken, whose goal came after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese early in the second half.Lukaku, who came on in the 67th minute, calmly scored his 93rd international goal when he completed the break in injury time after Chris Richards handed over possession.
Pochettino regrets missed opportunity
The defeat ended another promising World Cup campaign for the co-hosts, who once again fell into the last 16.“Everyone saw from the beginning that we had no connection with the game,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the game. “It’s a learning process. We need to evaluate that game and we need to look at why we didn’t treat it like we did other games in the World Cup.”This failure also continues a trend that Americans do not want to see. Currently, the United States has been eliminated in the round of 16 in six of its seven games at this stage of the FIFA World Cup, including the last four knockout games.At the same time, the Belgian team extended its unbeaten record to 18 games and faced the 2010 champion Spain in the quarter-finals.For Lukaku, however, the night was history. With one substitute appearance, one shot and one goal, he became the first player to score as a substitute in four different FIFA World Cup matches, underscoring once again why he remains one of the most devastating influences in international football.
